They all received Creativity in Science and Technology (CREST) Gold Awards for their work. These were presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Mrs Sarah Goad, at a ceremony held at Esher College in December.

Charlotte deserves particular congratulations for being one of the two joint winners of the prize for the best overall project. This was out of the 53 students from across Surrey as a whole who received Nuffield Bursaries. Her project, undertaken under the supervision of Professor Gange at Royal Holloway College, looked at how thistles produce endophytes which prevent them from being eaten.  The work links with other research on how crops can be protected. She has submitted her project for the British Association for the Advancement of Science’s national competition for Creativity in Science and Technology and has been invited to attend the national UK Young Scientists’ and Engineers’ Fair in London later this year for the final judging.

Nina, Charlotte and Caroline have all subsequently been offered places at Cambridge University: Nina and Charlotte, to study Natural Sciences at St John’s College and Fitzwilliam College respectively; Caroline, to study Mathematics at Murray Edwards College (formerly New Hall).  Congratulations to you all.